Primary care for people experiencing psychosis - how can I help? (half day)

Abstract

The term psychosis embraces major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in which a person’s perception, thoughts, mood, and behaviour are significantly altered. These disorders are often highly... [ view full abstract ]

The term psychosis embraces major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in which a person’s perception, thoughts, mood, and behaviour are significantly altered. These disorders are often highly distressing for individuals and their families. Moreover they may be subject to considerable ignorance and discrimination among the general public and healthcare professionals.

In primary care there is a common belief that recovery from serious mental illness is impossible, despite evidence that at least 15% of people recover completely and over 50% achieve good social recovery. We now know that prompt treatment of a first episode of psychosis can improve longer-term outcomes. And benefits are evident from targeting support towards families, many bewildered and frightened as they face up to long-term commitments. We also know that longer-term impacts, such as a 15-20 year reduced life expectancy mainly from physical co-morbidities, may be potentially mitigated by attending to reversible risk factors, no different to those facing the general population and already familiar to primary care.

This workshop will challenge unduly pessimistic attitudes and encourage discussion about how primary care, with its foundation in ongoing narrative, holism and family-centered care, is uniquely placed to support these individuals and their families.